Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.
Indian envoy shares spiritual legacy at Buddha’s birthday lantern ceremony
Indian Ambassador to Korea Amit Kumar, seventh from right, poses with monks and religious and academic leaders during the Lantern Lighting Ceremony at Dongguk University in Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of Embassy of India in Seoul
By Kim Hyun-bin
Indian Ambassador to Korea Amit Kumar joined religious and academic leaders at Dongguk University on Thursday for a vibrant lantern lighting ceremony to celebrate the birth of Buddha.
The event, organized by Dongguk University in partnership with the Embassy of India, drew over 500 participants and featured the lighting of 16,000 lanterns to symbolize the universal values of compassion and wisdom.
In a speech delivered at the ceremony, Kumar reflected on the enduring relevance of Buddha’s teachings and the deep historical and spiritual connections between Korea and India.
“It is a great honor for me and my spouse to join you all at this auspicious and beautifully illuminated ceremony to celebrate the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha. I extend my warm greetings to you all,” the ambassador said.
He emphasized the civilizational journey of Buddhism, which spread from Korea to India through peaceful means led by monks, scholars and spiritual seekers — not through conquest.
“Lord Buddha’s core teachings — the Middle Path, the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path — offer timeless guidance in today’s turbulent world. They speak to inner peace amidst anxiety, nonviolence in times of conflict, and mindful living in an age of distraction,” he said.
Kumar also highlighted historical links, such as the influence of Indian Buddhist architecture during the Silla Dynasty and the 8th-century travels of Korean monk Hyecho to India, whose writings remain among the earliest foreign travelogues on the country.
He noted India’s commitment to preserving Buddhist heritage through efforts like restoring sacred pilgrimage sites, promoting Buddhist studies and recognizing the Pali language — in which Buddha delivered his teachings — as a classical language.
“In 2021, the Government of India provided a statue of Lord Buddha to Tongdo Temple, which was founded in the 7th century by monks who had studied in India. Its location was chosen near Mt. Yeongchuk, which resembles Rajgriha, where Lord Buddha preached the Dhamma,” he added.
The ambassador also recounted the 2023 visit of 108 senior monks from the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, who undertook a 1,200-kilometer walking pilgrimage across Buddhist heritage sites in India. He personally met the group in Lucknow at the conclusion of their journey.
Moved by the symbolic lighting of the lanterns, Kumar quoted Buddha: “Thousands of candles can be lit from a single flame, and the life of the candle will not be shortened.”
He added, “Let these lanterns remind us that compassion shared is never diminished — it only grows.”
The ceremony not only celebrated Buddha’s birthday but also reaffirmed the shared spiritual legacy and enduring friendship between Korea and India.
“May the light of Lord Buddha’s wisdom guide us all on the path of peace, harmony, and mutual respect,” the ambassador said.